1.1 What makes a good mentor?

An effective mentor needs several key skills and a quick online search will take you to a wide range of blogs and articles on the subject. Common themes include:

• the ability to listen
• the ability to question and challenge effectively
• honesty and a respect for confidentiality
• an open mind
• a positive approach that motivates and encourages
• the ability to build rapport
• empathy
• patience and time to commit to the relationship
• relevant knowledge and experience
• self-awareness.

A leading expert in mentoring, David Clutterbuck (2008, p. 6, Table 3), explains that all mentors must:

• respond appropriately to a variety of needs, which may include recognising and reconciling different and perhaps conflicting purposes
• recognise and adapt appropriately to the phases of the mentoring relationship (you’ll learn more about these in Week 4)
• respond with the appropriate level of directiveness and balance between stretch and nurture
• recognise different developmental roles, and move between them appropriately and comfortably
• recognise the boundaries between mentoring and other roles
• establish a positive, dynamic atmosphere within the relationship.